Does contact improve intergroup attitudes? Evidence from Japanese perceptions of Chinese and South Koreans

How can in-group members enhance their perceptions of out-groups? Most scholars emphasize intergroup contact as a key factor. Specifically, they often advocate for face-to-face or direct contact. However, the Japanese context presents a contradiction to this suggestion. For Japanese people, the most frequently encountered foreign nationalities are Chinese and South Koreans, yet they exhibit the most negative attitudes towards these groups. I propose that the monocultural, peaceful, and conservative nature of Japanese society may hinder the realization of the assumptions underlying direct contact. Drawing on advanced studies in intergroup contact theory, I adopt a comparative approach to determine which form of contact is more effective. My findings indicate that viewing Chinese films, a form of parasocial contact, can more positively influence Japanese perceptions of Chinese people than direct communication. This conclusion also applies to the Japanese perspective on South Koreans. Consequently, this study offers a broader social strategy for fostering improved bilateral relations in East Asia.